Living out Missional Faith: Ben Swihart’s Story

Born into a rural Kansas, Christian home with parents that required weekly church attendance, Ben was brought up with a solid foundation of biblical knowledge. After spending time away from home, he began a sojourn for truth, and found it in the words of Jesus. Ben found solace in the heart of God that yearns for justice and peace, standing in stark contrast with the surrounding world. He soon realized that running with abandon in the will of the Lord was the most demanding decision Ben could make.

After marrying his wife, Karin, God set Ben on the path towards Christian community development. He spent four years working in residence life at Sterling College (KS), his alma mater before completing the Africa residency program at Eastern University (PA), where he graduated with a masters of arts in international development.

In pursuit of his calling, Ben is currently a John Perkins Fellow at Northern, working towards an M.Div with a concentration in community development. He enjoys working at the Lawndale Christian Legal Center, where he helps run an after-school program for court involved youth, and he and his wife recently relocated to North Lawndale in order to sufficiently serve the community.

Ben loves working with people, in whatever opportunity presented, and he is constantly seeking out the will of God in his life. As he continues his ministry in North Lawndale, Ben is very grateful for the practical knowledge he is receiving through his Northern experience.